The Ausie/American team's last one 'Not Ashamed', was like this, produced by veteran rock maestro Steve Taylor, but 'Going Public' takes the rock pop genre to new heights. For a start, the band have now found a truly compulsive fusion of elements - raunchy rock playing to show they're still no wimps; pop hooks catchy enough to bring instant whistling in the old grey matter; a lyricist in Steve Taylor who speaks timeless truth with a huge helping of wit; and a rhythm section that puts a bit of funky dance to the rock raunch. With the band currently toting one of the most riveting stage acts in Christendom (including of course, that drummer who spins around a full 360 degrees!) the Newsboys are, in Cross rhythms opinion, the best band never to have played the UK. Lyrics on 'Going Public' tackle a variety of themes - the Grace of God; single males ('Truth And Conseuences") and the challenge of being an effective witness to others. The album kicks off with a magnificent trio of songs beginning with a full tilt rocker 'Real Good Thing', with an irresistible hook, 'When We Don't Get What We Deserve/That's A Real Good Thing'. It's the best pop rock groove since the 77s in their 'Pray Naked' mould. The next cut up is even better, a rock funk number about Christ shining from us, 'Shine' while "Spirit Thing" has another memorable verse. 'It's not a family trait/It's nothing that I ate/And I didn't come from skating with holy rollers', while the chorus attempts the impossible and explain what IT is. 'It's just a spirit thing/It's just a holy nudge/It's like a circuit judge in the brain/It's just a spirit thing/It's here to guard my heart/It's just a little hard to explain'. Whether you're into pop, rock or dance you owe it to yourself to hear this magnificent album.

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views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 12:35 on Aug 30 2011

I had seen the video for "Shine", I really liked the song,
but found the video format without wings.
"Shine" speaks to every believer; remember He makes the
faces of His servants to shine! I luv the pop styled cd
opener "Real Good Thing"; reminds me of verse, GOD pities us
as a Father and we don't get the punishment we deserve!
Great lyrics to "Spirit Thing"; who can explain the Spirit!
"Let it Rain" is so soothing as is "Be Still"; makes you
want to be still and let the song sink in. The songs on
this cd really shine out!: Shine may have been a good cd
title, it is a great stand out! Great songwriting skills
contained here, wtg Peter and Steve! Great cd to have!
GOD Bless! -Don